Skulls of the Shogun – review

General Akamoto is angry. Fresh from being murdered by one of his samurai, he turns up for the afterlife to discover a massive queue to get in. So he does what any wronged general would, and recruits warriors to jump the queue and enact his revenge.

Clearly Skulls of the Shogun doesn't take itself seriously. Yet lurking behind its irreverent story, stylish cartoon visuals and self-referential humour is a turn-based strategy game with surprising depth. Beginning proceedings with just four unit types, the game gradually expands over 20 levels, allowing players to summon magical monks, recruit new warriors and level-up soldiers and, with battle a fast-paced affair, it makes for an addictive experience.

Although tricky in places, seasoned strategy fans won't have any trouble. And while at times the game's control system can prove fiddly, with its clever, accessible single-player and robust multiplayer modes, Skulls of the Shogun is well worth a download.